Vibratory cargo handling system for shipping containers

ABSTRACT

A shipping container vibratory loading and unloading system includes a shipping container having an opening therein for transferring cargo; a chassis, the shipping container disposed thereon; and a vibratory system being configured to transfer the cargo relative to the shipping container. The vibratory system may be used to load and unload the cargo.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility patent application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/848,094 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on May 15, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Shipping containers that are filled with dry or bulk goods usually are unloaded or loaded using tilt mechanisms, or the filled containers are off-loaded from a carrier to be unloaded using vacuums or other devices.

Known methods and systems for unloading or loading dry bulk containers take too long, are labor intensive, and often do not completely unload the product from the containers. These drawbacks lead to wasted product and also require that containers be cleaned and cleared of the residual product if different goods are to be transported in the next shipment. Such wasted product and time increase costs.

What is needed in the shipping industry is a system for emptying cargo containers more quickly, efficiently, and thoroughly without having to detach or tilt the containers from their carriers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed in general to vibratory systems and methods for unloading dry bulk containers.

In one embodiment, a shipping container vibratory loading and unloading system may include a shipping container having an opening for transferring cargo wherein the container is carried on the chassis, and a vibratory system is provided to transfer the cargo relative to the shipping container; for example, by loading the cargo into the container or unloading it. A hopper may be in communication with the opening of the shipping container to deliver the cargo into the shipping container or receive cargo therefrom.

A liner may be installed in the shipping container to hold the cargo within the shipping container, and the vibratory system may further include isolation mounts, springs, and rocker arms located between the shipping container and the chassis to assist the vibratory system with cargo transfer.

The vibratory system may further comprise a radio-communication device to establish a communication between the container and a control point and insert the vibratory system into an internet of things.

Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an embodiment according to the disclosure in an intended use environment shown partially cutaway for clarity;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of another embodiment in an intended use environment shown partially cutaway for clarity;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a further embodiment according to the disclosure in an intended use environment shown partially cutaway for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway elevational view of another embodiment according to another aspect of the disclosure; and

FIG. 5 shows a partially cutaway, elevational view of an additional embodiment according to a further aspect of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as their equivalents.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term or acronym herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.

Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including,” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.

The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.

The term “about” when used in connection with a numerical value refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and or measurement conditions for such given value.

The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises”, “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, etcetera. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b and c. Similarly, the phrase: “a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.

Where a list of alternative component terms is used, e.g., “a structure such as ‘a’, ‘c’, ‘d’ or the like”, or “a” or b″, such lists and alternative terms provide meaning and context unless indicated otherwise.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The various embodiments of the disclosure and/or equivalents falling within the scope of present disclosure overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a useful alternative.

Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present subject matter are shown. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features of the drawings. The drawings and detailed description provide a full and written description of the present subject matter, and of the manner and process of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well as the best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Thus, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed descriptions are provided by way of explanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. The present subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a no-tilt, vibratory discharge system for a dry bulk shipping container is shown, broadly designated by element number 10. The system 10 may include a trailer or container 12, shown partially cutaway for clarity to reveal dry bulk goods or cargo 3 within an interior 18 of the container 12. The system 10 may further include a base or chassis 14 with a vibrating system or vibrator 16 installed or attached at an end of the container 12. The container 12 may be configured for transport by a truck or locomotive (not shown).

FIG. 1 further shows that the container 12 may be equipped with a hopper, funnel, or similar discharge system 20 having an aperture 22 to direct the dry cargo 3 into a discharge container or other receiving vessel 5. As shown, springs, shock absorbers, or mounts 24 may be located between and the container 12 and the base 14 along with fiberglass rockers or arms 26, preferably under the bulk-filled container 12 in this example. As described below, the springs 24 will assist with vibratory unloading of the dry cargo 3 into the receiving vessel 5.

FIG. 1 also shows that the container 12 may include wheels 28 to move the system 10 into an unloading position or station 1. Once in position 1, the container 12 can be detached from a truck or tractor (not shown) and rendered stationary and level using a stand, dolly, fifth wheel, or jack 30.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the vibrator 16 can be activated electronically with a remote device, which is indicated schematically by element number 32. As shown, as the vibrator 16 shakes the trailer 12 and hence, the cargo 3 back and forth as indicated by the bold arrows 34. In conjunction with the springs 24 and rocker arms 26, the induced vibration—which is shown schematically in a horizontal direction for simplicity but also may include vertical and side-to-side vibratory actions—causes the cargo 3 to flow out of the aperture 22 of the system 20 and into the receiving vessel 5, as indicated by the directional flow arrows 36. Additionally, a liner 46 may be included in the interior 18, which can be removed after the cargo 3 is unloaded in order to more completely remove dust or residue from the interior 18 after the unloading process is completed.

With reference to FIG. 2 a vibratory discharge system according to another aspect of the disclosure is designated by the element number 110, which may include a container 112 positioned on a vibratory unloading table or weighing cell 138. In this example, product 13 may be contained in an interior 118 of the container 112, which is located on a chassis 114 with wheels 128 and a fifth wheel, turn table, or stand 130 that have been positioned up a ramp 17 onto a surface 124 of the table 138. One or more locking arms or bars 140 may be provided to secure the chassis 114 to the table 138. As shown, the vibrator 116 may be located near an end of the container 112 with a discharge hopper 120 having an outlet 122 to convey product 13 to a vacuum chute 15 in communication with a receiving container or storage silo (not shown).

The vibratory unloading table 138 shown in FIG. 2 may further include rockers 126 located between mounts 142 and the surface 124 to assist with product unloading. Also shown, a second vibrator 144 may be connected to the table 138 to cooperate with the vibrator 116. One or both of the vibration systems 116, 144 may be controlled remotely by a transmitter T or by other mechanical or electronic devices or controls as shown schematically by element number 132.

As further shown in FIG. 2, as the vibration systems 116, 144 vibrate and shake the container 112, as indicated by arrows 134. Although the arrows 134 are oriented schematically in a horizontal direction for simplicity, the resultant vibration may include vertical and side-to-side vibratory actions resulting in the product 13 flowing in a direction 136 toward the outlet 122. The vacuum chute 15 is used to assist in unloading the product 13 as it is shaken toward that end of the container 112. Although not shown, additional jacks may be used lift up the wheels 128 to reduce vibration dampening. Additionally, the arms 140 may be magnetized to hold the container 112 in position during the vibration process.

As shown FIG. 3, a vibratory system 210 may include a container 212 equipped with an air or electric powered, closed loop, vibrator 216 to discharge cargo 23 from an interior 218 through a hopper 220 without tilting the container 212. Here, the container 212 is positioned at station 21 with a fifth wheel or stand 230 and with wheels 228 locked or braked in position. Because the system 210 is closed, the product 23 will not be contaminated with dust, dirt and the like from outside of the container 212. Likewise, dust from the discharging product 23 will not enter the external environment.

FIG. 3 further shows that pressurized isolation mounts 242 can be installed to assist in directing the vibration along the container 212 to move the dry bulk cargo 23 therein in a direction 236 toward an end of the container 212 through a discharge aperture or tube 222 and into a hopper or silo (not shown). The isolation mounts 242 can be locked down for and during transport, and their pressure can be adjusted according to remaining payload.

FIG. 3 more specifically shows the mounts 242 can be located between a chassis 214 of the container 212 and a surface 224 to assist with unloading the product 23. Here, a vibratory drive 244 may be connected to the surface 224 to cooperate with the vibrator 216. One or both of the vibration systems 216, 244 may be controlled remotely or otherwise by electronic controls (not shown) to vibrate the container 212 in multiple axes as schematically indicated by element number 234 to move the dry bulk cargo 23 in the direction 236.

FIG. 4 shows a vibratory loading system 310 having a container 312 being loaded from a silo 35 using a fill hopper 320 and an upper or forward vibrator 344. Here, product 33 drops from the silo 35 by gravity and is vibrated into the container 312 by the upper vibrator 344. Another vibrator 316 may be installed at a lower rear of the container 312 to further vibrate the container 312 and load 33 as shown by arrows 334. The vibration 334 shifts the load 33 into the container 312 and evenly fills the container 312 without titling or direct contact or handling of the cargo 33. The vibrators 316, 344 may be air, fuel, or electrically powered and can include trackers (schematically indicated by element number 348) to time on and off cycles to verify vibrator usage and maintenance.

The trackers 348 in FIG. 4 may include a software or computer application to enable communication between a remote device such as a smart phone or laptop and the vibratory system 310 thereby inserting the system 310 into an internet of things. More specifically, a computer controlled, wireless connected program may be used for determining and monitoring how much product 33 remains in the container 312, or in the case of the exemplary loading system, how much product has been loaded into the container 312.

Once the tracker program is loaded on a computer, laptop, tablet, or a smart phone, the product shipment can be controlled from initial pick-up to offload using a wireless controller, radio, or satellite device in communication with weigh cells to monitor the product load. Truck drivers, for instance, can use their cell phones to receive discharge or loading permissions from a control station or manager via the trackers 348 to clear or load their cargo liners. The program can be used to adjust the vibrator force and the pressure in isolation mounts as the load increases or decreases during loading and unloading. Liner serial numbers or bar codes can be used with the container 312 associated with the application to ensure appropriate discharge authorizations, to monitor the loading and unloading processes, and track discharges. Photographs can be taken of the container number for additional security.

With continued reference to FIG. 4, an exemplary loading pipe, belt, or conveyance device 324 is provided to vibrate the load 33 forward into the container 312 as indicated by arrow 335. The container vibrator 316, connected to the container 312 with corner post locks (not shown), then vibrates the load 33 towards a rear area where the vibrator 316 is located, as indicated by arrows 336. Accordingly, the container 316 does not have to be moved forward during loading to level the load 33 within an interior 318 of the container 316 as it is filled. The system 310, therefore, eliminates the need for a pneumatic loading system and air blowers plus dust collectors and vacuum systems required when loading powders.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a no-tilt, vibratory discharge system for a dry bulk shipping container is shown, broadly designated by element number 410. The system 410 may include a trailer or container 412, shown partially cutaway for clarity to reveal dry bulk goods or cargo 43 within an interior 418 of the container 412. The system 410 may further include a base or chassis 414 with a vibrating system or vibrator 416 installed or attached in this example on a discharge unit 420 at one end of the container 412. The container 412 may be configured for transport by a truck or locomotive (not shown).

More particularly, the discharge unit 420 shown by way of example in FIG. 5 may be equipped with an aperture 422 to direct the dry cargo 43 into a discharge container or other receiving container 45. Although not shown in this example, springs or mounts may be located between and the container 412 and the base 414 along with rockers or arms, possibly under the bulk-filled container 412.

FIG. 5 further shows that the container 412 may include wheels 428 to move the system 410 into an unloading station or position 41. Once in position 41, the container 412 can be detached from a truck or tractor (not shown) and rendered stationary and level using a stand or jack 430. As shown, as the vibrator 416 will be activated to shake or vibrate the trailer 412 and hence, the cargo 43 primarily in a longitudinal direction, but also in multiple axes, as indicated schematically by arrows 434. The induced vibration causes the cargo 43 to flow out of the aperture 422 of the system 420 and into the receiving container 45 as indicated by the directional arrows 436. A liner 446 may be included in the interior 418, which can be removed after the cargo 43 is unloaded in order to remove any dust or residue from the interior 418 after the unloading process is completed.

Exemplary Embodiments Embodiment 1

A shipping container vibratory loading and unloading system includes a shipping container having an opening therein for transferring cargo; a chassis, the shipping container disposed thereon; and a vibratory system connected to the shipping container and being configured to load and unload the cargo relative to an interior of the shipping container.

Embodiment 2

The vibratory system of embodiment 1, further comprising isolation mounts disposed between the shipping container and the chassis.

Embodiment 3

The vibratory system of embodiments 1 or 2, further comprising a hopper in communication with the opening of the shipping container, the hopper being configured to deliver cargo into the shipping container or receive cargo therefrom.

Embodiment 4

The vibratory system of any of the embodiments 1-3, further comprising a liner disposed in the shipping container, the liner being configured to hold the cargo within the shipping container.

Embodiment 5

The vibratory system of any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a rocker arm disposed between the chassis and the shipping container to assist the vibratory system with cargo transfer.

Embodiment 6

The vibratory system of any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a spring disposed between the chassis and the shipping container to assist the vibratory system with cargo transfer.

Embodiment 7

The vibratory system of any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a radio-communication or satellite device to establish a communication between the container and a control point and insert the vibratory system into an internet of things.

Embodiment 8

A method of dry bulk cargo handling, comprising providing a shipping container having an opening therein; placing the shipping container on a chassis; providing a vibratory system in communication with the shipping container, the vibratory system being configured to transfer cargo relative to the shipping container; and shaking the shipping container with the vibratory system to load or unload cargo.

Embodiment 9

The method as in embodiment 8, further comprising providing a computer application to cause communication between a remote device and the vibratory system.

Embodiment 10

A shipping container vibratory loading and unloading system, comprising a shipping container having an opening therein for transferring cargo; a chassis, the shipping container disposed thereon; a vibratory system being configured to transfer the cargo relative to the shipping container; and a wireless controller in communication with weigh cells to monitor cargo weight.

The system as in embodiment 10, further comprising a container vibrator and a conveyance device proximate the container vibrator being configured to vibrate the cargo into the shipping container without moving the container or handling the cargo.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A shipping container vibratory loading and unloading system, comprising: a shipping container having an opening therein for transferring cargo; a chassis, the shipping container disposed thereon; and a vibratory system attachable to the shipping container and being configured to transfer the cargo relative to the shipping container without tilting the shipping container or contacting the cargo.
 2. The vibratory system as in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of isolation mounts disposed between the shipping container and the chassis.
 3. The vibratory system as in claim 1, further comprising a hopper in communication with the opening of the shipping container, the hopper being configured to deliver cargo into the shipping container or to receive cargo therefrom.
 4. The vibratory system as in claim 1, further comprising a liner disposed in the shipping container, the liner being configured to hold the cargo within the shipping container.
 5. The vibratory system as in claim 1, further comprising a rocker arm disposed between the chassis and the shipping container to assist the vibratory system with cargo transfer.
 6. The vibratory system as in claim 1, further comprising a spring disposed between the chassis and the shipping container to assist the vibratory system with cargo transfer.
 7. The vibratory system as in claim 1, further comprising a radio-communication device to establish a communication between the container and a control point and insert the vibratory system into an internet of things.
 8. A method of dry bulk cargo handling, comprising: providing a shipping container having an opening therein; placing the shipping container on a chassis; providing a vibratory system in communication with the shipping container, the vibratory system being configured to transfer cargo relative to the shipping container; and shaking the shipping container with the vibratory system to load or unload cargo.
 9. The method as in claim 8, further comprising providing a computer application to establish communication between a remote device and the vibratory system.
 10. A shipping container vibratory loading and unloading system, comprising: a shipping container having an opening therein for transferring cargo; a chassis, the shipping container disposed thereon; a vibratory system being configured to transfer the cargo relative to the shipping container; and a wireless controller in communication with weigh cells to monitor cargo weight.
 11. The system as in claim 10, further comprising a container vibrator and a conveyance device proximate the container vibrator being configured to vibrate the cargo into the shipping container without moving the container or handling the cargo. 